Explain that since the school facility has recently erected a ropes course in a wooded area on the top of the mountain adjacent to the school property, it is necessary that the area be cleared of any hazardous trees.

Inform the students that they will serve as evaluation teams to scout the area to determine which trees are safe and which are not.

Prepare ahead of time by having four trees in varying degrees of condition labeled for evaluation; mark the trees with numbers 1 through 4.

Explain that each group will evaluate the labeled trees using the guide and after doing the evaluations the groups will compare their ratings.

Demonstrate the procedure by having the entire class work as one group to evaluate the tree labeled "#1."

Use the evaluation form and step-by-step ask the students to rate the parts of the tree giving reasons for the point values selected.

Total the points to determine the overall rating for the tree.

Answer any questions about how to conduct the evaluations.

Start by assigning two groups each to trees #2, #3, and #4.

Have the groups rotate from tree to tree until all three trees have been evaluated by each of the groups.

Gather the groups together and share their results.

Discuss similarities and differences in how and why certain trees were rated as they were.

Assessment
(40 minutes)

Have each group scan the surrounding area and select at least three unlabeled trees to evaluate.

For each tree the group evaluates have them complete an evaluation form, label the form with their group's letter, place the evaluation form in an envelope and place it by the base of the tree. Instructor will circulate and review each completed evaluation form.

As time allows, conduct class discussions about any particularly significant trees or completed evaluation forms.

Extension

Share the evaluation results identifying potentially hazardous trees with the facility's head maintenance person. He/She can use the input to make decisions about which trees to remove.